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BOOK NOW:
ENGLAND V INDIA
Edgbaston is where England wins the most — 27 times if we're going to be all Duckworth–Lewis precise about it. And England have never lost to India on this hallowed turf. But with India ranked as the number one Test team on Earth, right now, this fixture has got one of them immovable-object-unstoppable-force feels to it. Running from August 1 to 5, tickets are from £29 for adults and £16 for under 16s. And if you somehow happen to already have plans that week, Brum's got one of the biggest programmes of cricket in England and Wales in 2018, also bagging England’s only International T20 (against Australia on June 27) and T20 Finals Day (on September 15). Nice, right?
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FILM: THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US
This has been getting quite the kicking from some critics, but it’s hard to see why they’ve been getting their well-upholstered knickers in such a twist over this harmless and frequently charming bit of fluff. Idris Elba and Kate Winslet are the only survivors of a plane crash in the mountains of northern Utah, and we follow them as they trek to safety followed by both the pilot’s dog (yes) and a mountain lion. The end result is a bit like a Nicholas Sparks re-imagining of The Revenant, and if it can get goofy – there’s a clunky reference to Candy Crush that not even seasoned pro Elba can sell – there’s some spectacular scenery, and the two leads make a winning pair. Times
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WEIRDER AND FIERCER
We've all been there, right? Few too many Malibus and you end up naked, with your best pal, on a podium, spinning a hula. This year, your biggest Facebook photo fear becomes Fierce Festival's opening performance and the good news is there is almost no chance it'll be you on stage. More likely it'll be François Chaignaud and Marie-Caroline Hominal, two choreographers performing the UK premiere of Duchesses. Historically hailed as a symbol of sexual liberation, in this piece the hula hoop becomes a tool of instantaneous and endless dance. Witness it for free on October 18 at Quantum Exhibition, Digbeth. From there on Fierce just gets joyously weirder. Artistic duo Quarto will use a kilometre long rope to challenge the notion of what the body is capable of while the real mind-bending stuff can be found at Everything Fits In The Room. We'd try and explain it to you but, frankly, you won't believe us. Give this teaser trailer a try. Full schedule for Fierce can be found here. It runs October 16 to 22.
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Venue: Wok Chi, 135 High Street, Harborne, B17 9NP; website
Choice: Seafood rice (£9.45) Chooser: Us, we weren't feeling too chatty
If you live in Harbs (as no one should ever call it) you're already all over Wok Chi — an oriental, mid-week winner. After hearing about its wonderment from a trusted chum, we hit up the simple, attractive cafe-style gaff and received the sort of welcome from the family team that made us pray to all the Gods it was going to taste good. The wok fried rice with wasabi mustard, scallops, prawns and Japanese seaweed is exactly what you want when the emptiness of your fridge audibly taunts you, and the only way to silence its cruel ridicule is with something tasty and sating. The wasabi kick used in this way is classic of no Asian cuisine with which we're familiar. But adding to the already fresh feeling bowl, it worked entirely. Start with the steamed Vietnamese rolls (£4.95) and give serious consideration to the Singapore Vermicelli. Though technically a special it's been on the board every time this Wok Chi insider's eaten there. And she's eaten there A LOT. Menu
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GET YOURSELF A WINGMANS
Sear & Smoke is a Grillstock-esque event dedicated entirely to the wonder-filled world of meats and BBQ. From the acronym-loving DDC and OPM, there'll be 12 of the UK’s tipity topity searing, spit roasting, 'que champs. Including London's Wingmans. The chicken doyens recently took the people's choice award at the European Street Food Awards and their buffalo wings are exactly what you should hope, dream and possibly say multiple prayers for. On November 11 from 12pm til 8pm at Digbeth's Crane, tickets (£10) are already in final release territory. Act fast.
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CUBAN DANCE WIN
International ballet supremo Carlos Acosta's got a dance school, and he's bringing it from Havana to Birmingham's Hippodrome. Made up of Cuba's most awe-inducing dancers, the programme will include new and existing pieces by Cuban choreographers who have rarely been seen outside their country, as well as works from international choreographer types. Though technically retired (again) Acosta himself will also make an appearance. From October 18 to 21, tickets are from £12.
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SCOUT'S HONOUR
Scout is a big deal in the land of the cocktail — rated by World's 50 Best Bars despite being open less than a year kinda big deal. But the super sustainable outfit also happens to be 120 miles from Brum. Leaving their London home for the first time, find the team at Smultronstalle for one beautiful evening, when their cocktails and ferments will be yours for the supping in the form of a six-course tasting menu. On October 26 (sittings at 6pm and 9pm) it's £45. And if you're quick smart, bookable by emailing reservations@barsmultronstalle.co.uk.
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